Thumb Protector

ABSTRACT

A thumb protector for providing, inter alia, additional protection for a user&#39;s thumb.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a utility application which claims benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/875,489 filed Dec. 18, 2006, entitled “Jointed Thumb Protector” and Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/940,680 filed May 29, 2007, entitled “Thumb Protector” which are both hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to a thumb protector useful for contact sports including both lacrosse and hockey. More particularly, the present invention relates to a removeably attachable thumb protector which can attach to the exterior of a protective glove of the sports participant. The invention also includes a method for protecting a participant's thumb during a contact sport.

In many contact sports, it intentionally striking the opponent is allowed and considered fair play in the participation of the sport. Depending on the given sport, certain body parts may be under greater exposure and stress than others. For example, in sports such as lacrosse, hockey, and other sports in which a stick-type object is an essential part of the game, a participant's hands are exposed to a large amount of contact, and as such, is important to provide protective gear for the hands during the course of play of the sport. Furthermore, it is also important to maintain a high level of flexibility of the participant's hands in order to adequately participate in the sport. As such, a protective glove in sport must both protect and retain flexibility.

Various protective sporting gloves have been developed over the years for use in lacrosse, hockey, and other similar contact sports. These gloves are designed to protect the hands of a player of a sport against impacts and blows to their hands during participation in the sport. Generally, these gloves are designed to dissipate the force of blows inflicted by other participants during the play of the sport. Unfortunately, most prior art gloves do not provide adequate protection to a goalie which experiences a different type of contact inflicted from either a flying puck or ball. Notably, the thumb of the goalie can be severely injured from a shot puck or shot ball while the goalie is holding a stick.

A variety of prior art thumb protectors have been developed to potentially provide better protection to the thumb of a participant in a contact sport. In Murray, U.S. Pat. No. 3,626,515, a thumb guard is made of a rigid material for the back of a hockey glove. The thumb guard extends over the back portion of the thumb from the wrist to the tip of the thumb without anywhere enclosing the thumb although providing support.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,703, Brine et al., teaches of a protective glove for use in contact stick sports such as lacrosse. The glove of the '703 patent includes a thumb protector integrated into the glove with impact-resistant material along the thumb but not extending to the tip.

Behr et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,985), teaches a thumb protector with a rigid cap covering the end of the thumb and supported by a rigid support member connecting the cap which encompasses the base of the thumb. The invention of the '985 patent provides rigid support and protection to the tip of the thumb but not a substantial amount of flexibility.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,117 issued to Goldsmith et al., teaches of a thumb protector involving two elements secured to the thumb which allows the thumb to move and is typically utilized within the protective glove of the sports participant.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,963, Swanbeck describes a thumb protector with a base sleeve coupled with a connector to a tip sleeve and adapted to being fitted over the thumb which substantially encompasses the thumb.

Unfortunately, the thumb protectors taught by the prior art are not effective for protecting the thumb of sports participants including goalies. The thumb protectors are generally inflexible or encompass a significant portion of the thumb, or furthermore, are incorporated into the protective glove of the wearer. In addition, prior art thumb protectors and protective gloves do not allow for a flexible thumb protector to be removeably attached to the thumb of the glove of the sports participant.

What is desired, therefore, is a thumb protector which is flexible and removeably attachable where the thump protector provides protection to the tip, dorsal phalanx, the proximal phalanx, and/or the tip of the thumb. Indeed, a combination of characteristics including an attachability to the exterior of a glove and having jointed segments have been found necessary in protecting the thumb of a goalie in contact sports such as lacrosse. Also desired is the process for protecting the thumb of the sports participant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a thumb protector which is uniquely capable of removeably attaching to a protective glove. The inventive thumb protector provides a combination of flexibility and protection as well as a removable characteristic not heretofore seen. In addition, the thumb protector may be jointed so that the thumb protector which does not preclude movement of the sports participant's thumb and as such, does not interfere with the participant's performance.

More particularly, the inventive thumb protector may include a rigid material which provides protection from the impact caused by other players and especially from shot balls or pucks. Specifically, a polymeric material such as a plastic may be utilized in forming the protective element of each segment of the joint protector.

The inventive thumb protector should have a connector between a first segment and a second segment thus allowing the sports participant's thumb the capability of being flexed or extended while still being protected. The connector may include a type of hinge as well as a flexible polymeric material or even laces connecting the first segment and second segment. The choice of connector can be determined by the amount of flexibility and protection that is required by the sports participant in the given sport.

The first segment of the thumb protector provides protection at least to the distal phalanx portion of the user's thumb. The first segment may substantially encompass the distal phalanx with an opening so that the inner portion of the thumb is not enclosed thus providing the player with substantial tactile feeling during game play. In addition, the first segment can cover the distal tip of the thumb thus providing protection to the tip.

The second segment of the thumb protector provides protection to approximately the proximal phalanx area among other areas of the sports participant's thumb by removeably attaching to the respective area over the protective glove. The second segment can also substantially encompass the thumb while having an inner opening so that the inner portion of the thumb is not impeded from contact of the player's stick by the thumb protector. As such, protection to the lateral sides of the thumb is provided while still providing enough tactile sense for the player to perform. At a minimum, the second segment covers an area of the thumb not covered by the first segment and may partially protect the proximal phalanx and extend further thus providing at least protection to the dorsal side of the thumb by removeably to the respective area of the protective glove. In embodiments including joints, the two segments may over lap in coverage of the thumb and furthermore the joint of the protector does not necessarily have to be located at the location of the joint between the distal phalanx and the proximal phalanx. As such, the joint may be positions in various locations on the thumb protector and provide some degree of flexibility to the player.

Advantageously, the thumb protector may removably attach to the exterior portions of the thumb of the protective sports glove. Generally, the protector may be attached by design wherein the protector is designed closely to match the shape of the exterior of the protective sports gloves. Further embodiments include attachment by a fastener so that the protector may be removed from the protective sports gloves when additional thumb protection is not required. In additional embodiments the thumb protector may include a brace that extends below partially attached padding to keep the thumb protector in place.

An object of the invention, therefore, is a thumb protector to provide protection to a participant's thumb during participation in the sport.

Another object of the invention is a thumb protector that maintains the at least partial flexibility of the user's thumb's joints during participation of the sport while adequately protecting the thumb of the user.

Still another object of the invention is a thumb protector having a first segment which removeably attaches to the exterior of a protective glove and provides protection to the distal phalanx area of the thumb.

Yet another object of the invention is a thumb protector including a segment removeably attachable to the exterior of a protective sports glove that provides protection to the proximal phalanx area of a user.

Another object of the invention is a method of providing additional protection for a thumb of a sports participant wearing a protective sports glove.

These aspects and others that will become apparent to the artisan upon review of the following description can be accomplished by providing a jointed thumb protector having a flexible connection between at least two segments which removeably attaches to the exterior of a protective sports glove. The inventive jointed thumb protector advantageously provides protection while maintaining flexibility necessary for performance in a sport and is removable where additional protection is not required by the user.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description provide embodiments of the invention and are intended to provide an overview or framework of understanding to nature and character of the invention as it is claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a general embodiment of the thumb protector.

FIG. 2 is a view of the thumb protector with thumb tip section.

FIG. 3 is a view of the thumb protector with circumferential sides.

FIG. 4 is a view of the thumb protector with a distal encompassing segment.

FIG. 5 is a view of the thumb protector with distal and proximal encompassing segments.

FIG. 6 is a view of the thumb protector with a protective glove.

FIG. 7 is a view of an additional embodiment of a thumb protector.

FIG. 8 is a view of an additional embodiment of a thumb protector for use with a partially attached padded glove.

FIG. 9 a is a view of an additional embodiment of a flexibly connected thumb protector with joint protection.

FIG. 9 b is an additional view of the embodiment of a flexibly connected thumb protector with joint protection.

FIG. 10 a is a view of a preferred embodiment of a thumb protector of the present invention.

FIG. 10 b is an additional view of a preferred embodiment of a thumb protector of the present invention.

FIG. 11 a is a view of the first segment of a preferred embodiment of the thumb protector of the present invention.

FIG. 11 b is an additional view of the first segment of a preferred embodiment of the thumb protector of the present invention.

FIG. 12 a is a view of the second segment of a preferred embodiment of the thumb protector of the present invention.

FIG. 12 b is an additional view of the second segment of a preferred embodiment of the thumb protector of the present invention.

FIG. 13 a is a view of a left thumb embodiment of the second segment of the preferred embodiment of the thumb protector of the present invention.

FIG. 13 b is a view of a right thumb embodiment of the second segment of the preferred embodiment of the thumb protector of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring generally now to FIG. 1, a jointed thumb protector used in sports is shown and generally designated as the numeral 10. Jointed thumb protector 10 can be used in numerous sports including lacrosse, hockey, and the like. Furthermore, jointed thumb protector 10 includes first segment 12, second segment 14, and connector 16.

First segment 12 and second segment 14 of jointed thumb protector 10 can be comprised of a variety of materials to provide protection to a user's thumb. Specifically, first segment 12 and second segment 14 may include polymeric compounds as well as high density foam, plastics, deformable metals, and composites so as to provide protection to a user's thumb. In further embodiments, first segment 12 and second segment 14 may be comprised of layers of different materials so as to provide more comfort in wearing jointed thumb protector 10. This may include an outer layer of rigid material and an inner layer of a softer more flexible material which is in closer proximity to the user's thumb.

Connector 16 of jointed thumb protector 10 allows for the flexation of the user's thumb while still instilling a protective quality. Connector 16 may comprise a flexible material including cloth, string, and cord as well as incorporating a hinge design between first segment 12 and second segment 14. Connector 16 may also include a flexible polymeric material. Dorsal side 18 of first segment 12 and dorsal side 20 of second segment 14 are the sides of jointed thumb protector 10 which are most exposed and will most likely be in direct contact with stresses and forces caused from playing the sport. Inner side 22 and inner side 24 are the sides of jointed thumb protector 10 nearest to the thumb of the user. Both inner side 22 and inner side 24 are in contact and are most preferably removeably attachable to a protective glove worn by the user. As such, inner side 22 and inner side 24 may include points of attachment to the protective glove.

Jointed thumb protector 10 may be attached to the protective glove worn by the user in a variety of fashions. In one embodiment, jointed thumb protector 10 is designed so that first segment 12 and second segment 14 fit closely onto the thumb of the protective glove and are thus secured by a pressure fit. The edges of first segment 12 and second segment 14 may have ridges which fit closely around the protective elements of the protective glove and thus keep jointed thumb protector 10 in place. In further embodiments, jointed thumb protector 10 may be attached by one or more fasteners located on inner side 22 or inner side 24 of the jointed thumb protector. These fasteners may include snaps, adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other similar attachments. The fasteners are chosen so that jointed thumb protector 10 can be removed from the protective glove worn by the user so that the user may perform in the sport without jointed thumb protector 10 when the additional protection is not needed. Specifically, an individual in lacrosse which plays a position of goalie and midfield, may desire the use of jointed thumb protector 10 when in position of goalie but may not require the additional protection when performing as a midfielder for the lacrosse team.

Referring now to FIG. 2, jointed thumb protector 10 is illustrated with an elongated first segment 12 having thumb tip section 26. In this embodiment, jointed thumb protector 10 with thumb tip section 26 is designed to protect the tip section of a user's distal phalanx, the bone in the thumb extending from the tip of the thumb to the first joint. This design with thumb tip section 26 is to provide additional protection from contact caused by propelled balls or pucks as well as contact from sticks or the bodies of other sports participants.

FIG. 3 generally represents an embodiment of jointed thumb protector 10 which provides circumferential protection to the thumb of the wearer of a protective glove. First segment 12 has circumferential sides 28 which provide protection to the sides and lateral section of the distal portion of the thumb whereas second segment 14 has circumferential sides 30 which provide protection to the sides of the proximal portion of the user's thumb. Furthermore, so as not to impede the performance and tactile feeling of the player, first segment 12 with circumferential sections 28 may have ventral opening 32 so that jointed thumb protector 10 does not cover the ventral side of the user's thumb. Furthermore, second segment 14 may also have ventral opening 34 to further provide for better contact between the user's thumb and the sports implement which the user may be carrying. In further embodiments not illustrated in FIG. 3, ventral opening 32 may be absent so that circumferential sides 28 of first segment 12 connect to encompass the distal portion of the user's thumb to provide for even greater protection. Similarly, circumferential sides 30 of second segment 14 can also encompass the user's thumb thus providing more protection for the proximal portion of the user's thumb. Furthermore, in the multiplicity of designs where ventral openings are not provided, the jointed thumb protector 10 may be designed specifically to the players' desires.

In FIG. 4, first segment 12 with circumferential sides 28 completely enclose the distal portion of the thumb thereby providing improved protection to this area of the thumb. A player may desire such protection where the distal phalanx is more susceptible to injury. Similarly, FIG. 5 illustrates jointed thumb protector 10 with both circumferential sides 28 of first segment 12 and circumferential sides 30 of second segment 14 substantially enclosing the respective portions of the thumb without a ventral opening. A participant in a sport may require such protection wherein the thumb may be exposed to significant stresses or in situations where the thumb of the user may already be injured.

FIG. 6 illustrates the relationship of one embodiment of jointed thumb protector 10 with protective glove 36. Jointed thumb protector 10 is removeably attached to thumb portion 38 of glove 36 so that jointed thumb protector 10 can be removed when additional protection of thumb portion 38 is not desired. As such, there is at least one attachment point between the inner side 22 of first segment 12, or inner side 24 of second segment 14 which can include the use of adhesives, Velcro®, snaps, elastic, ties, stitching, and the like to secure jointed thumb protector 10 to thumb portion 38. Additionally, jointed thumb protector 10 can be secured by a pressure fit wherein first segment 12 and second segment 14 essentially snap onto thumb portion 38 of glove 36.

Connector 16 provides for flexation of joint area 40 of thumb portion 38 thus allowing the user mobility of the joint between the distal phalanx and the proximal phalanx of the thumb resulting in an unhampered range of motion during participation in the given sport.

Referring now generally to FIG. 7, there is an additional embodiment of a thumb protector comprising an embodiment that does not contain a joint but still provides protection to the thumb of the user. This embodiment fits to the glove and may optionally include an attached elastic or nonelastic strap to secure the thumb protector in place. Most preferable with this embodiment, is that the thumb protector and the glove are manufacture with awareness of each item so that the interior of the thumb protector fits closely to the exterior padding portion of the thumb. As such, a secure fit is developed so that the thumb protector stays securely attached to the thumb during game play.

Furthermore, the strap may join opposite sides of the thumb protector and span across the inside surface of the glove's thumb for added security. This strap may have an elastic nature providing some stretch so that the thumb protector can be easily removed and put back on quickly. Additionally, the strap can also be of a nonelastic nature which provides little to no stretch. In further embodiments, the strap is removable dependant upon the desires of the player and the comfort the player feels with different orientations of the thumb protector and strap.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the thumb protector with a connector portion which connects under the padding present in a lacrosse glove. More specifically, certain gloves are produced with partially attached padding, thus providing a space for an object to slide there beneath the padding. As such, this embodiment of the thumb protector with connector portion 15, provides connector portion 15 to slide there under partially attached padding (not shown) to provide the attachment of the embodiment of thumb protector 10 to the glove. Generally, at least two sides of the padding are stitched or otherwise attached to the glove, thus allowing for connector portion 15 to slide under at least one non-attached side of the padding for securing connector portion 15 under the glove padding, and thumb protector 10 to the glove. This method of attaching the thumb protector of FIG. 8 provides an additional method of attachment and does not interfere with the movement of the user's thumb while providing much additional protection. Specifically, the placement of connector portion 15 under the padding provides additional protection to this portion of the thumb while the inclusion of the hard shell, preferably a plastic, over the top exterior portion of the thumb, provides substantial protection to this portion of the thumb. With the connector portion secured underneath partially attached padding of the glove, the thumb protector is held securely with out hindering the player's tactile feel or range of motion.

Additionally, connector portion 15 can flex so that the thumb protector stays in close alignment with the players thumb. As the connector portion can be comprised of appropriately shaped plastic to fit there beneath partially attached padding, the plastic connector can flex as required by the movement of the thumb underneath the padding of the glove.

FIG. 9 a illustrates a further embodiment of a flexible thumb protector having features to preclude overextension of the joint in the thumb. Specifically, the upper segment is attached to the lower segment of the thumb protector in a manner so that the thumb protector cannot extend farther than straight in one direction. This design is utilized to help prevent the damage caused to players' thumbs when caused by forced hyperextension. This embodiment provides movement and flex of the player's thumb, within the lacrosse glove, toward the palm of the hand but substantially does not allow the joint between the phalanges to extend farther than straight. As such the thumb protector absorbs stresses that might otherwise break a player's thumb at the joint. As typical with the other embodiments of thumb protectors presented here within, this protector can comprise hard plastic materials and a variety of materials for the joint portion. Furthermore, joint protection protrusion 17 can be located on either the upper or lower portions of the joint protector and is not limited to the illustrations as provided.

FIG. 9 b illustrates the flexible thumb protector having features to preclude overextension of the joint in the thumb in a maximum extended position. Typically this is the maximum extension allowed by this thumb protector thus precluding damage to the joint between the two phalanges. Furthermore, this thumb protector can utilize connection means between the two segments as previously discussed as well as hinges and pins specific to this design. Yet furthermore, additional embodiments of this flexible thumb protector include a connector portion so that this embodiment of the thumb protector can be secured under partially attached padding as occurs with the embodiment of the thumb protector provided in FIG. 8. By attaching in this manner the thumb protector is secured to the glove and provides a wide area of protection for the thumb of the player. An additional feature of this thumb protector includes the tip protector so that the tip of the distal phalanx of the thumb is provided more protection against injury. However, the thumb protector is not limited to this design and a variety of embodiments of differing shaped segments are possible.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, there is presented a preferred embodiment of the thumb protector of the present invention. Generally, this preferred embodiment of the thumb protector comprises first segment 12 and second segment 14 connected by connector 16 with first segment 12 partially overlapping second segment 14. The overlap of this design also helps to preclude an individual's thumb from overextending as the preferred embodiment of joint protector 10 is substantially precluded from extended farther in a non-intended direction as the overlap portions of segment 14 and segment 12 pushed against each other. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 10 b, there is a significant opening so that the user's thumb is not completely encased in a rigid material, and thus, the player may have better tactile feel. Generally, the preferred embodiment of thumb protector 10 is utilized with lacrosse gloves having openings or partially attached padding so that second segment 14 may slide beneath partially attached padding or within an opening, and thus, secure the thumb protector to the protective glove with the first segment 10 covering a significant portion of the thumb of the glove. As such, connector 16 of the preferred embodiment of thumb protector 10 may be lower with first segment 12 covering the majority of the dorsal side of the distal phalange and also a portion of the proximal phalange of the thumb.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, there is an illustration of the first segment of the preferred embodiment of the thumb protector. As is illustrated, the first segment includes a rounded portion and also a portion which may cover the tip portion of the user's thumb and over a protective glove in providing protection to the tip of the user's thumb. Additionally, the segment is significantly rounded with an extension opposite the tip of the first segment so that the extension may cover a portion of the second segment to assist in substantially precluding hyperextension of the thumb.

In FIGS. 12 a and 12 b, there is presented an illustration of the second segment of the preferred embodiment of the thumb protector of the present invention. As previously discussed, a significant portion of second segment 14 may be utilized in attaching a completed thumb protector to a protective glove. As such, a substantial portion of the second segment may slide beneath a partially attached padding section of the protective glove and maintain the thumb protector in proper orientation. Optionally, second segment 14 may include tab 42 to better secure the portion of second segment beneath a partially attached padding area. In further embodiments, the tab may not be necessary, and thus, is not required for all the preferable embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, second segment 14 includes an overlap area near the connection point for the overlap width a portion of the first segment of the thumb protector. More specifically, the somewhat raised area of second segment 14 may be the portion covered in an overlap with the first segment of the thumb protector with an extended portion of the first segment covering a portion of the second segment and providing the overlap to thus assist and substantially precluding the overextension of a thumb joint. Additionally, such design may also prove to be more durable and able to survive the physical impacts common with contact sports such as lacrosse.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 a and 13 b, there are further embodiments of the second segment of thumb protector with curvatures for a left thumb protector and curvatures for a right thumb protector. More specifically, FIG. 13 a illustrates an optional embodiment wherein the end opposite the connection point is curved so as to provide both protection and flexibility while wearing the thumb protector on the left thumb, whereas FIG. 13 b illustrates a curvature of a second segment for a thumb protector for a right thumb. Such curvatures provide for possible greater comfort for a user for a thumb protector.

The thumb protector of the present invention provides a method for providing superior protection to a participant in a sport such as lacrosse, hockey, or the like. The jointed thumb protector attaches to the exterior of the protective glove and is removable thus allowing the player to determine the protection required during the participation in the sport. When additional protection of the thumb is required, the jointed thumb protector may be attached to the thumb receiving section of a glove. Generally, the jointed thumb protector attaches to the dorsal surface of a glove over the participant's thumb and comprises a first protective segment flexibly connected to a second protective segment so as to provide protection for forces and stresses incurred during a practice of a sport.

Accordingly, by the practice of the present invention, a jointed thumb protector having heretofore having unrecognized characteristics is created. This jointed thumb protector exhibits protective qualities while maintaining flexibility and additionally is removable, thus making the jointed thumb protector uniquely equitable for sports such as hockey, lacrosse, or the like.

The disclosures of all cited patents and publications referred to in this application are incorporated therein by reference.

The above description is intended to enable the person skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is not intended to detail all of the possible variations and modifications that will become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading the description. It is intended, however, that all such modifications and variations be included within the scope of the invention that is defined by the following claims. The claims are intended to cover the indicated elements and steps in any arrangement or sequence that is effective to meet the objectives intended for the invention, unless the context specifically indicates the contrary. 

1. A protective thumb device comprising: a connector having a first connection point and a second connection point; a first segment having a protective dorsal side with the first segment attached to the first connection point; and a second segment having a protective dorsal side with the second segment attached to the second connection point.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the protective dorsal side of the first segment and the protective dorsal side of the second segment are rigid.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the protective dorsal side of the first segment and the protective dorsal side of the second segment are comprised of polymer.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the first segment and second segment are dimensioned to a thumb of a glove.
 5. The device of claim 4 further comprising the device being removably attachable to the thumb of the glove.
 6. The device of claim 5 further comprising the device being attached by a design fit.
 7. The device of claim 5 further comprising the device being attached by a fastener.
 8. The device of claim 4 wherein the first segment circumferentially encompasses a first portion of the thumb of the glove.
 9. The device of claim 8 further comprising the first segment having a ventral opening.
 10. The device of claim 4 wherein the second segment circumferentially encompasses a second portion of the thumb.
 11. The device of claim 10 further comprising the second segment having a ventral opening.
 12. The device of claim 1 wherein the connector is flexible.
 13. A protective thumb device comprising: a first protective segment adapted to be fit on at least a distal thumb portion of a glove; a second protective segment adapted to be fit on additional areas of the thumb portion of the glove; and a connector having a first connection end connected to the first segment and a second connection end connected to the second segment.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the connector is flexible.
 15. The device of claim 13 further comprising the first segment encompassing at least a tip of the distal thumb portion.
 16. The device of claim 15 further comprising the first segment circumferentially covering the distal portion with an opening on a ventral side of the distal portion.
 17. A protective thumb device comprising: a first protective segment having a ventral opening and adapted to circumferentially fit on at least a distal thumb portion of a glove; a second protective segment having a ventral opening and adapted to circumferentially fit on an additional portion of the glove; and a connector having a first coupling end coupled to the first segment and a second coupling end coupled to the second segment.
 18. A sports glove protection device comprising: a glove having a thumb receiving section with the thumb receiving section including a distal thumb portion; a proximal thumb portion; a first protective segment adapted to removably attach to the distal thumb portion of the glove; a second protective segment adapted to removably attach to the thumb proximal portion of the glove; and a connector having a first coupling end coupled to the first segment and a second coupling end coupled to the second segment.
 19. A method of protecting a participant's thumb during a sport comprising the steps of: a) fitting a glove having a thumb receiving section with a dorsal surface over the participant's thumb with the thumb receiving section having a first portion and a second portion; and b) attaching a thumb protection device comprising a first protective segment flexibly connected to a second protective segment over the dorsal surface of the first portion of the thumb receiving section of the glove and the dorsal surface of the second portion of the thumb receiving section of the glove.
 20. A protective thumb device comprising: a first segment having an interior with the interior fit to an exterior of a protective glove.
 21. The device of claim 20 further comprising a security strap.
 22. The device of claim 20 further comprising an attachment for securing to the protective glove.
 23. The device of claim 22 wherein the attachment fits under partially attached padding of the protective glove.
 24. A protective thumb device comprising: a first segment with an overlap portion for protecting the distal portion of a user's thumb; and a second segment connected to the first segment with the second segment having an attaching portion for at least partially attaching to a glove and with the second segment having an overlap portion wherein the overlap portion of the first segment and the overlap portion of the second segment form an overlap to provide additional protection to the user's thumb.
 25. The protective thumb device of claim 24 wherein the overlap portion of the first segment covers at least a portion of the overlap portion of the second segment.
 26. The protective thumb device of claim 24 wherein the overlap portion of the second segment covers at least a portion of the overlap portion of the first segment.
 27. The protective thumb device of claim 24 wherein the second segment comprises a portion for attaching to a protective glove.
 28. The protective thumb device of claim 27 wherein the second segment comprises a portion for sliding beneath partially attached padding of the protective glove.
 29. The protective thumb device of claim of claim 28 wherein the second segment further comprises a tab attached to the portion for sliding beneath partially attached padding of the protective glove for providing a partially more secure attachment. 